How to Make Decorative Handmade Stationery for Birthdays and Occasions

Make stationery cards and matching envelopes to use as invitations or greetings for your friends and family. Use your own creativity in designing your cards for occasions such as holidays, birthdays or parties. Use rubber stamps and stencils to create and personalize your cards.

Note cards and matching envelopes
Decorative stencils
Rubber Stamps
Craft paints
Foam stencil brush
Painters tape
Ink pad
Decorative embellishments

STEP 1
Place the stencil onto the front of a blank note card. Then place two pieces of painter's tape on each edge to hold it in place. You can choose to center the design on the card, or place it off-center to allow room for other elements such as embellishments or words.

STEP 2
Use a flat sponge stencil brush to paint the design. Dip the brush into acrylic paint and wipe off excess dripping paint.

STEP 3

Dab your paint on top of the stencil, keeping the brush vertical. If you hold the brush at an angle, the paint may drip under the stencil. Dab the paint over the stencil design. Paint a light, thin layer for a transparent effect or dab a large amount of paint for a textured look. Allow to dry.

STEP 1
Plan the design you want to make using rubbers stamps. You may want a rubber stamp design that will fill the card, or you can use a variety of stamps to create your own design. Plan whether you will be including words and where you will place them.

STEP 2
Place the rubber stamp on the ink pad and rock it back and forth. Rocking the stamp will ensure even coverage on the stamp.

STEP 3
Press the stamp on the card and apply pressure to the back of the stamp. You may want to rock the stamp back and forth to ensure all of the paint sticks to the surface of the paper.

TIPS

Be sure to cover your surface with newspaper to avoid paint and ink on your furniture.

Use a self-healing mat under the surface when cutting embellishments for your cards.

Use a sheet of scrap paper to play around with the stamps before using them on your cards.

Sketch a design on paper so you have a reference to work with when stamping or stenciling.

Be sure to allow drying time in between stamping or stenciling to avoid smearing paint or ink.

Additional Embellisments

Glue ribbons, thin cording or trims to decorate the edges of the cards or to add accent.

Glue flat-backed jewels for a bit of sparkle.

Use decorative stickers for additional decoration, or 3D stickers for depth.

Use pre-cut, decorative chipboard frames sold in scrapbooking departments as a decorative border around your cards.

Use cookie cutters to trace shapes on the cards. Trace the design with a pencil and then paint the designs with craft paints.